Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Waltham, MA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 49.9% of gross income.
Waltham rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Massachusetts state estimate).
About rent and a licensed practical nurse salary
LPN pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. At the national-average LPN salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,520 a month in rent. The per-city pages show which markets stay in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Massachusetts cities have lower median rent than Waltham, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Waltham
View full rent data for Waltham, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Waltham, MA?
Median rent in Waltham is $2,930 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Massachusetts earns about $70,516 a year, which makes that rent 49.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in Waltham?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Massachusetts (~$70,516/yr) supports up to $1,763 a month in rent. Waltham's current median rent is $2,930/mo, which is $1,167/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Waltham?
At an hourly equivalent of about $34 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Massachusetts works roughly 86.4 hours a month to cover Waltham's median rent of $2,930.
Where is rent cheaper than Waltham for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Malden ($2,929/mo), Canton ($2,929/mo), Stoneham ($2,928/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.